Sage-grouse Habitat Conservation Through Prisons

Authors: SER Northwest

Publication Date: 2018

Abstract/Summary: The purpose of the “Sagebrush in Prisons Project,” is to improve habitat for the greater sage-grouse by engaging state prison systems in production of sagebrush and other important plants for habitat restoration on BLM lands. The Institute for Applied Ecology (IAE) has partnered with the BLM to grow sagebrush with ten prisons in six states. Inmates are involved in sowing plants, growing them over the summer and planting-out on BLM land in the fall. The program is a win-win-win for inmates, community and the environment. Inmates learn horticulture skills, gain confidence from sowing seeds to daily care for the plants to planting-out on greater sage-grouse habitat.
Stacy Moore is the Ecological Education Program Director with Institute for Applied Ecology, a non-profit located in Corvallis, Oregon.